Sections

Zones

Vegetation Types

Different vegetation and plant types require different amounts of water. The RainMachine algorithm uses different variables associated with each type of vegetation to make accurate water consumption calculations. Below are the options listed under the Advanced Zone Settings and some basic guidelines for each type to get you started. The EPA WaterSense feature will provide you with recommended times based on your inputs.

Lawn: Lawns should be watered frequently, but use less water than vegetable or flower gardens. While it seems counter-intuitive, it is recommended you water every other day in order to promote healthy, deep root growth.

Fruit Trees: Fruit trees, like any trees, should be watered infrequently (once or twice a week). When watered, they should receive a fair amount of time so that water soaks deep into the tree roots.

Flowers: Flowers tend to require more water than grass, but less than vegetables. Exact water needs vary by flower type, but daily watering or once every two days should be sufficient.

Vegetables: Of the vegetation types listed, fruits/vegetables/herbs tend to use the most water. They should be watered daily.

Citrus: Citrus trees do not need much maintenance and are quite hardy. Generally, citrus plants should be watered weekly.

Trees and Bushes: Trees and bushes need more water than other plant types, but less frequently. They should not be watered by the same program that waters your flowers or vegetables. Recommended watering frequency is every 2 or 3 days.

Xeriscape: (Drought Tolerant Plants) The most efficient landscape type on our list of presets. This includes cacti, native plants, succulents, and other drought tolerant plants. Watering should be minimal. Recommended watering frequency is every week, for established plants, watering once every 2 weeks can be sufficient.

Custom: This allows you to create your own vegetation settings using allowed depletion, root depth, permanent wilting point, vegetation height, and crop coefficient as variables. This is only recommended for advances users.